Zelfa Barrett returned to winning ways with a disciplined points victory over former British champion Liam Dillon in an absorbing lightweight contest at the NEC in Birmingham on 29 November 2025. Over eight competitive rounds, the Birmingham favourite used speed, movement and shot selection to earn a deserved 78–74 decision and steady his career after a challenging spell.

The bout carried real significance for both men. Barrett, a former European title holder and previous IBF world title challenger, knew he needed a statement performance following defeat earlier in the year. In February, he had come up short over ten rounds against Jazza Dickens, a result that stalled his momentum at a higher level. Dillon, meanwhile, arrived with a reputation as one of the division’s most durable operators, having rebuilt himself since winning the British title in July 2023 via a split decision.

From the opening bell, the contrast in styles was clear. Barrett boxed on the move, circling the ring and firing sharp punches from range, while Dillon pressed forward, attempting to close the distance and force exchanges. The early rounds favoured Barrett, whose footwork and timing allowed him to dictate the pace. His jab regularly found its mark and disrupted Dillon’s attempts to get into rhythm.

Dillon remained committed to his approach, trudging forward and trying to make the fight physical. Although he absorbed clean shots on the way in, his toughness never wavered. In the middle rounds, the former British champion enjoyed moments of success, particularly when targeting the body and landing short uppercuts in close. Those passages ensured the contest remained competitive and prevented Barrett from settling too comfortably.

Barrett responded by varying his tempo. He would briefly plant his feet to throw combinations before slipping away again, making Dillon reset repeatedly. His ability to change angles and punch selection proved crucial, especially as fatigue began to show in the later rounds. While Dillon continued to apply pressure, he often found himself reaching, allowing Barrett to counter and score eye-catching shots.

As the fight entered the final stages, Barrett’s control became more pronounced. He finished rounds strongly, closing exchanges with flurries that caught the judges’ attention. Dillon’s effort never dipped and he finished the bout as he started it, pushing forward and attempting to turn the tide, but the cleaner, more consistent work came from Barrett.

At the final bell, the referee’s scorecard of 78–74 reflected a bout that was competitive but clearly shaded by the home fighter. It marked the 34th professional win of Barrett’s career and served as a timely reminder of his skill set after the setback against Dickens earlier in the year. Dillon, despite defeat, once again demonstrated why he is regarded as one of the toughest tests at domestic level.

In the end, it was a night that belonged to Zelfa Barrett, whose sharp boxing and ring intelligence earned him a convincing decision over the ever-resilient Liam Dillon.